Epic Games, the creator of the popular game Fortnite, has announced plans to file an antitrust lawsuit against Google and Samsung. The legal action, set to be initiated in a California federal court, accuses the tech giants of collaborating to shield Google's Play Store from competition in the Android app market.
The lawsuit centers on Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, introduced in late 2023. Epic Games alleges that this security measure, ostensibly designed to protect users from malware, actually serves to discourage the download of Android apps from sources other than the Google Play Store or Samsung's Galaxy Store. The game developer claims this arrangement violates U.S. antitrust laws by limiting consumer choice and stifling competition that could potentially lead to more affordable apps.
This legal move comes in the wake of Epic Games' previous antitrust victory against Google in December 2023. The company asserts that Samsung's Auto Blocker, which became the default setting on Samsung devices in July 2024, is an attempt to mitigate the impact of that verdict. The earlier ruling is expected to compel Google to facilitate easier app acquisition from alternative sources.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, characterized the lawsuit as part of a "major global fight" to safeguard competition and its benefits for consumers. The company also plans to voice its concerns to regulators in the European Union, known for its stringent scrutiny of tech companies' business practices.
The mobile app market has become a significant economic force, with projections indicating it could reach $935 billion by 2023. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between app developers, platform providers, and device manufacturers in this lucrative industry.
Epic Games' legal strategy builds upon its 2020 lawsuit against Google, which alleged the tech giant was stifling competition through its control over app distribution and payments. That case resulted in a U.S. jury finding Google held an illegal monopoly, with Judge James Donato in San Francisco currently deliberating on the necessary changes to Google's app business practices.
This latest legal challenge underscores the complex relationships within the mobile ecosystem. Samsung, as the world's largest Android phone manufacturer, plays a crucial role in this dynamic. The company's decision to prioritize its Galaxy Store over third-party alternatives has drawn Epic's ire, with the game developer arguing that this move, in conjunction with Google's practices, harms both consumers and developers.
As the case unfolds, it will likely draw attention to broader issues in the tech industry, including the balance between security measures and open competition, the power of platform holders, and the evolving landscape of mobile app distribution.
"This lawsuit is part of a major global fight to defend competition and its benefits for consumers."
The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the mobile app ecosystem, potentially reshaping how apps are distributed and monetized on Android devices. As the industry continues to evolve, the tension between platform control and developer freedom remains a central issue in the ongoing debate over fair competition in the digital marketplace.